How do I know whether I'm a good candidate for implants to replace my missing teeth ? Are bridges still available to replace missing teeth ? Is there failure with implants ? Are white crowns better than metallic crowns ? Are porcelain veneers a safe option to enhance my smile…...will they last? Is grinding my teeth doing any more than just wearing down the chewing surfaces of the teeth ? Is grinding of the teeth normal in kids ? Are sports mouth guards adequate to stop tooth grinding ?
A Prosthodontist is a Dentist who specializes in the replacement of teeth and other structures in and around the mouth. This involves any appliance such as: Crowns, bridges, aesthetic facings, implants, dentures and a large number of devices fabricated to correct congenital imperfections as well as post-surgical conditions that affect the normal function or the appearance of a patient. There are six specialties in Dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association, as well as most International entities officially accredited throughout the globe. This are: Orthodontia, Endodontia, Periodontia, Oral & Maxilofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry and Prosthodontia. Dentistry and its specialties also rely on disciplines like Pain Management and Neurology; TMJ and Arthrology, Radiology and Tomography only to mention a few. General Dentists receive training in all of these disciplines, just as Physicians are trained in Surgery, Preventive Medicine, etc. Hopefully this explains the meaning of such a threatening word as PROSTHODONTICS.
Think of Implants as structures that are placed into the bone (Jaw bone), to then be utilized to support teeth (Prosthetic teeth or fake teeth), or devices such as Dentures.
Very much so, they have been used for thirty years, although like any other resource in Dentistry they have gone through an evolution process. Since the mid 1980’s Implants have become a very predictable way of treatment. Scientific research has improved Dental Implants in the last decade, more than any other form of therapy for the Dental Patient.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I’M A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IMPLANTS TO REPLACE MY MISSING TEETH? The first step is to go in for a Comprehensive Dental Exam. The Dentist will then make recommendations depending on the existing conditions. Sometimes it might be necessary to have a second or even a third consultation with the Doctor, depending on the complexity of the case. Second opinions are generally a good idea.
ARE BRIDGES STILL AVAILABLE TO REPLACE MISSING TEETH? Absolutely. Each case must be analyzed individually in order to determine the best way to restore it. The thing that has happened in Dentistry is that the benefits we see with the use of Implants are so overwhelming that many Dentists are becoming more and more inclined to use the implant avenue. Implants will promote bone growth around them, while bridges always deal with bone loss at the areas where the replacement teeth are. Another thing is that Implants that are restored by crowns will not decay, so that a potential problem is taken out of the equation.
IS THERE FAILURE WITH IMPLANTS? Yes, it is usually the result of poor planning when the case is being designed for either surgery or the restorative phase. Sometimes systemic diseases such as (but not limited to): Diabetes, Osteoporosis, AIDS or even Chronic Tobacco consumption can affect the end result of an Implant-supported reconstruction. It is fair to say that the success rate of Implant treatment in Dental practices throughout the United States is very high, and the predictability of this way of therapy is better than that of bridge work.
ARE WHITE CROWNS BETTER THAN METALLIC CROWNS? Different materials have different applications. Even though Gold based crowns and other alloys have performed very well restoring “back” teeth, the increased concern toward aesthetics and the desire to have “cleaner” and more natural looking dental arches has driven the public to request “all white” restorations. Now a day there’s such a wide variety of materials at our disposal, that it’s become easier to find a white solution for most cases. Still Gold based crowns have a place in Dentistry. Patients should always feel free to ask the Dentist about the materials which are to be used in restoring their dental conditions.
ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS A SAFE OPTION TO ENHANCE MY SMILE….WILL THEY LAST? Porcelain veneers are a great tool to use in a Cosmetic Anterior Reconstruction (Smile enhancement), however like any other way of treatment, they are not the solution for every situation. It is always a good practice to analyze the clinical conditions of the patient, and become well acquainted with the particular desires and goals of each patient and thus determine whether these will be attainable by performing treatment with porcelain veneers. Some times the “back” teeth are out of harmony, making it risky to try and modify the “front” teeth. In such a case it would be worth discussing the necessary steps that would be required before reaching the point where the “front” teeth can be enhanced. There are instances when treatment with “braces” needs to be considered or simply establishing a set of priorities to treat other conditions and diseases before commencing an Anterior Reconstruction. When the case is carefully designed, Porcelain Veneers are a very successful way of treatment to achieve very striking beauty in a patient’s smile for many years. There are cases with longevity of twenty years that look as beautiful as the first day.
IS GRINDING MY TEETH DOING ANY MORE THAN JUST WEARING DOWN THE CHEWING SURFACES OF THE TEETH? Grinding one’s teeth is an abnormal process known in Dentistry as Bruxism. This is a “Para function” which is a condition that takes place within the parameters of what we consider to be “functional”, however exceeding the frequency or the intensity of the process. This results in “Pathology” or Disease. The problem may show its repercussion on the teeth, the gum tissue, the bone supporting the teeth, the jaw joints or several of these combined. In some cases the grinding happens in a way that goes beyond the boundaries of normality, causing more severe conditions to the affected areas. So, besides wearing down the teeth, Bruxism can be traumatic enough to cause the Dental Pulp to degenerate, thus making it necessary to treat one or many teeth with “Root canals”. The deterioration of the teeth happens at different levels, since although it’s true that the “top” surface of the teeth will exhibit wear areas, other surfaces will suffer drastic changes, like the facial (outside) or lingual (inside) aspects of some teeth at the gum line. This condition renders the teeth weak and causes the gums to recede. Some of the more serious problems happen to the bone that bears the teeth and to the joints (TMJs). The treatment for such conditions varies greatly, however it should suffice to know that these forms of therapy can be complex, lengthy and costly.
IS GRINDING OF THE TEETH NORMAL IN KIDS? Children with “baby teeth” have a strong tendency to grind their teeth. Once they transition to a “mixed dentition” it is not considered normal anymore. However some little ones continue to grind their teeth during the early stages of this “mixed phase” to then suddenly stop once the “back” adult molars start to make contact.
ARE SPORTS MOUTH GUARDS ADEQUATE TO STOP TOOTH GRINDING? Sports (over the counter) appliances are only good to be worn during a limited period of time, such as a football or basket ball game, to protect the player against possible blows to the mouth. These appliances, when used for prolonged periods of time can be very detrimental to the jaw joints and can also lead to the stimulation of clenching and or grinding. The fact that such devices are fairly inexpensive, makes them attractive as a replacement for the ones provided by the Dentist, however “there’s nothing like the real thing”. The “guards” made by a Professional must gather certain characteristics and are designed to fulfill a very specific purpose, whether it be to protect the patient from grinding, clenching, injuring the joints, or to pacify the muscles etc… Ask your Dentist about the different types of “Occlusal Guards”. He or she will provide you with the information you need before acquiring one of these very valuable protectors. Even when they may seem costly, keep in mind they are very durable, and they’re fabricated to respect the components of the human mouth. |
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